U.S. cattle herd reported at a record low of 86.2 million head as of January 2026

The White House fact sheet says President Trump signed a Proclamation temporarily increasing the U.S. tariff‑rate quota (TRQ) to allow an additional 80,000 metric tons of lean beef trimmings from Argentina tariff‑free (delivered in four quarterly tranches of 20,000 metric tons) to boost ground‑beef supply. The move responds to a record‑low U.S. cattle herd, drought and wildfires, and import restrictions from Mexico after detections of New World Screwworm; the Secretary of Agriculture and the U.S. Trade Representative will monitor supplies and advise further actions. The fact sheet also situates the measure within wider administration policies aimed at supporting ranchers and lowering consumer costs and cites December 2025 ground‑beef prices of $6.69 per pound.